Northern UFO News - No 38

Magazine Overview

This issue of NORTHERN UFO NEWS, dated July 1977 (Issue 38), is a newsletter from the Northern UFO Network (NUFON), based in Irlam, Greater Manchester. The cover features a line drawing of a flying saucer. The newsletter aims to serve as a liaison and coordination centre for independent UFO organisations and researchers in Northern Britain.

Editorial: 'What is the point of NUFON?'

The editorial addresses a perceived divergence of opinion regarding the value of NUFON, distinguishing between 'hobbyist' and 'researcher' types of UFO society members. Hobbyists, it suggests, may question what they directly 'get out of' NUFON, with material rewards being limited to access to reports, a reference library, and meetings. The editorial posits that even for these members, the benefits of contributing to a larger body of information and preserving their work for posterity are significant. Researchers, on the other hand, are seen as driven by the higher objective of finding answers to mysteries, and NUFON's role in facilitating the sharing and integration of information is crucial for scientific progress in ufology. The editorial concludes by emphasizing that NUFON needs its members, regardless of their motivation, and that members also need NUFON to look beyond immediate gains.

Contents and Articles

English UFO Publications Review

This section provides a survey of UFO-related publications available in the UK, categorizing them by publisher, price, frequency, and content. Notable publications include FSR (described as Britain's most respected), MUFOB, FORTEAN TIMES, and various regional newsletters like NUFON's own. The reviewer notes that Southern publications tend to have a wider scope than Northern ones, suggesting a need for more comprehensive coverage of paranormal events in the North.

Status Report on World War III

This article details a resignation from BUFORA, citing a 'stupid row' and a desire to clarify the position for BUFORA's membership. The author expresses frustration with perceived confrontational tactics and past issues with BUFORA, such as reports being 'swallowed up' and a lack of credit. It mentions that UFORA Staffs, MUFORA, UFOSIS, and WUFOS have withdrawn support from BUFORA, with some RICs resigning. The article also notes the emergence of a SOUTHERN UFO NETWORK (SUFON), which is seen as a significant development, with plans for a close working relationship and potentially a British Network. The SUFON files are planned to be stored with NUFON files in Nottingham, creating a large repository of data.

ALTERNATIVE FOUR!

This section reviews Anglia Television's 'ALTERNATIVE THREE' programme, which presented a fictional documentary about a secret mission to Mars. The programme interlinked various anomalous phenomena and concluded with the Mars mission premise, designed to be accepted as genuine before being revealed as a hoax. The reaction was mixed, with some calling it a waste of money, while the author speculates if the programme hinted at something more, questioning its simultaneous transmission to multiple countries, the poor acting, and the deliberate reveal as a play.

HOW GOOD ARE OUR FIELD INVESTIGATORS?

Authored by J.B.Delair of CONTACT UK, this article critiques the quality of UFO field investigations. It acknowledges that many reported UFOs are mundane phenomena but criticizes conclusions that lack serious consideration or are based on hasty interpretations. The author points to an example where a light was dismissed as a satellite without proper checks, despite a significant time gap. The article highlights the compartmentalized nature of solitary case investigations, which can lead to over-mundane explanations, and stresses the importance of considering a wider global picture of UFO activity. It advocates for investigators to report on their own methods and checks, including aircraft and satellite data.

NUFON AREA DIVISIONS

This section outlines the organizational structure of NUFON, detailing its area divisions across the North East, North West, and Midlands. It explains the plan to establish hot-line numbers for each area to facilitate direct reporting and channeling of information to relevant groups or investigators.

SIGHTING REPORTS

This is the most extensive part of the newsletter, detailing numerous UFO sighting reports from various locations in the UK, with dates ranging from 1945 to April 1977. Each report includes a case number, date, location, witness details, description of the object (shape, color, behavior, speed), and the investigating organization's assessment (e.g., Level A, B, C, D, E). Many reports involve lights, discs, spheres, and cigar-shaped objects. Some sightings are attributed to conventional aircraft (Boeing 707, 747, airships), weather balloons, or natural phenomena like meteors or Venus. However, several reports remain unexplained or are considered 'high strangeness,' including potential landings and traces. The issue notes an increase in reports for 1977 compared to previous years and anticipates more sightings in the autumn and winter.

Notable sightings include:

• REPORT 4502 (Approx 1945, Shavington, Cheshire): Red object striking a field, possibly a meteorite.
• REPORT 6611 (June 1966, Northwich, Cheshire): Silver disc with portholes, low altitude, slow movement.
• REPORT 7015 (August 1970, Newark/Grantham, Notts): Cigar-like tongue of flame, filmed, but analyzed as a vapour trail.
• REPORT 6717 (August 1967, Eccles, Gt M/Cr): Metallic craft, disc with dome, humming buzz, rapid acceleration.
• REPORT 7224 (April 1972, All Saints, Gt M/Cr): Golden sphere with 'cotton wool' halo, figure like an astronaut, later identified as likely the moon.
• REPORT 7468 (August 1974, Irlam, Gt M/Cr): Two white lights merging, then one light moving erratically and disappearing.
• REPORT 7774 (March 1977, Lytham, Lancashire): Three-point star object with red and yellow lights, rotating, not an aircraft.
• REPORT 7778 (April 1977, Hanley, Staffs): 'Flying car' object with yellow searchlights, exhibiting stop-start movement.
• REPORT 7782 (May 1977, Alderley Edge, Cheshire): Silver spherical object with flashing lights, later identified as a model aircraft.
• REPORT 7784 (May 1977, Failsworth, Gt M/Cr): Silvery sphere near a Boeing 747, performing a high-speed turn.
• REPORT 7788 (June 1977, Cheadle Hulme, Gt M/Cr): Yellow/white light streaking, breaking into five pieces, observed for less than a second.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the organizational structure and purpose of UFO groups like NUFON, and the critical evaluation of UFO research methods and publications. The editorial stance, particularly in the 'What is the point of NUFON?' piece, emphasizes the importance of collaboration, information sharing, and the dual nature of ufology as both a hobby and a serious field of research. There is a clear effort to distinguish between mundane explanations and genuine unexplained phenomena, and to encourage rigorous investigation. The issue also highlights inter-group dynamics, such as the dispute with BUFORA and the development of regional networks like SUFON, indicating a desire for a more unified UK ufology community.

Title: NORTHERN UFO NEWS
Issue Date: June 1977
Publisher: NUFON
Country: United Kingdom
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Northern UFO News covers several UFO sightings and organizational activities within the UFO research community in the UK.

UFO Sightings Reports

Report 7789: Bridlington, 7 June 1977 A retired man and his wife reported a strange phenomenon at 21:57. They observed a vertical cigar-shaped object composed of three round lights. Initially, it glowed orange, but then changed to a brilliant white. The object was seen descending slowly out of view behind the rooftops opposite their location and remained visible for two minutes. It was last seen in the west just after it had gone dark.

Report 7790: Oldham/Rochdale, 9 June 1977 This sighting involved an orange oval-shaped object with a diffuse glow surrounding it. Multiple independent witnesses are believed to have seen it, although they are proving difficult to trace. The object was in view for approximately 1.5 minutes, travelling up a valley in the Pennine foothills below the line of the hills. Neither Manchester Airport nor Jodrell Bank had any records to account for the observation.

Report 7791: Withington, Manchester, 13 June 1977 A white light was observed moving northwards across a clear sky, flashing once every second. It flew silently into a single cloud, remaining visible though partially obscured. The object then stopped suddenly, instantaneously reversed its path, and disappeared out of view over houses.

Editorial Notes and Trends

The editorial notes a significant increase in sightings, stating, "AS YOU WILL NOTE THERE ARE MANY MORE SIGHTINGS THAN NORMAL THIS MONTH. THIS TREND SEEMS TO BE CONTINUING AND ALREADY (BEFORE I EVEN FINISH TYPING THIS ISSUE) REPORTS ARE PILING UP FOR THE NEXT ISSUE: THE FLAP IS GOING TO BRING LARGER SIZE ISSUES FOR SOME TIME IT SEEMS. I DOUBT IF YOU WILL MIND THAT."

NUFON Coordinated Skywatches

In anticipation of a projected Autumn/Winter flap, NUFON decided at a February meeting to organize a series of coordinated skywatches. The aim is to provide valuable training in communication and recognition of natural phenomena. Groups within NUFON are urged to participate. Ian Sanderson (69 High Street, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Coventry, Tel: Cov 304119) is the coordinator. Skywatches are best conducted in groups, but individuals can also participate. The initiative aims to cover as much of the region as possible, with organizations in the south also contemplating joining. Public publicity for this venture is being avoided due to the media's generally poor presentation of skywatching.

The scheduled dates for these skywatches are Saturdays: August 20, September 17, and October 15. A central phone-in number will be provided with further details in the August issue.

NUFON Conference 1977

The NUFON Conference 1977 has been confirmed by NUFOIS, the hosts, to take place on September 10 at the Trent Polytechnic in Nottingham. The venue is the Byron Lecture Theatre, Shakespeare Street. The session will be open to the public from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and exclusively for ufologists from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Topics will include investigation, skywatching, and ley-line study. Lecturers are not yet fully confirmed, and attendees are invited to present written papers to the organizers. Proceedings will be available on the day.

NUFON Conference Ticket Information

Tickets for the NUFON Conference are available at 50p each. This is a joint venture, and all groups are asked to purchase at least five tickets. Accommodation details are available from NUFOIS upon request. Coffee and biscuits can be ordered at 25p per head, which must be requested when booking tickets. Tickets are obtainable from John Cree, 443 Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3GB.

News Round-Up from Paul Whetnall (WUFOS)

This new monthly feature aims to keep readers informed of activities in their areas.

• RIGAP: Appears unhappy with NUN, stating they cannot accept comments suggesting natural explanations for submitted reports. RIGAP reported 177 UFO activity reports between January 1 and March 31.
• PULSE: Seeks individuals interested in the relationship between leylines and UFOs across the UK.
• Kathy Preston: Is giving talks on the Lemanche Zodiac at the IGR symposium in Cambridge (July 9th) and the Lancs Society for Psychical Research in Preston (August 23rd).
• SUFORS: Has reformed and recommenced monthly meetings. They are working with Derick Shelton and Philip Fargus on Humberside cases. The current flap has prompted local MP John Ellis to write to the Minister of Defence regarding RAF investigations.
• Newcastle Exhibition: An exhibition held at Newcastle library, which houses the largest UK archives of UFO material, was successful. A seminar hosted by Bill Muir with Raymond Drake and Dr. Chris Evans attracted 200 people, and a continuing public display received favorable reactions.

An editorial note from Paul Whetnall mentions that the worst response to his letters has come from associate groups, urging them to contribute to the column.

• Prime Minister of Grenada's Statement: Derick Shelton provided details of a statement made by the Prime Minister of Grenada to the United Nations on October 7, 1976. The statement questioned why the existence of UFOs remains a secret.
• Gary Lanham: Co-founder of UFOSIS, is returning to the UK in November after 18 months in Canada. He is seeking confidential information on MIB activity.
• LAPRO/UPROL: The Leicester group LAPRO may re-emerge as UPROL, according to Trevor Thornton.

Publications and Resources

• NUFON 1976 Report: Available for 20p, featuring a catalogue of 146 reports, statistics, and graphs. Available from NUN.
• NUFON Files: (BUFOIS) 443 Meadow Lane, Nottingham NG2 3GB
• Overseas Data: (FAPURG) 23 Hastings Rd, Thornton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
• Lecture Tape Library: (WUFOS) 760 New Chester Rd., Bromborough, Wirral L62 7HD
• News Round Up Contact: Paul Whetnall, 18 Buckingham Ave, Vicars Cross, Chester.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of recent UFO sightings, the organization of UFO research activities (skywatches and conferences), and the dissemination of information within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement and information sharing, encouraging participation from groups and individuals. There is a clear emphasis on the growing number of sightings and the potential for a significant "flap." The magazine also highlights the challenges of public perception and media portrayal of UFO phenomena, advocating for a more serious and less sensationalized approach.